KZ AM16
Anker Space A40
What Buyers Say
KZ AM16
The KZ IEMs are widely praised for their impressive sound quality, with clear highs, rich mids, and deep bass that many find perfect for music and gaming. Users appreciate the lower listening volume needed, which reduces ear fatigue, and the comfortable fit with multiple ear tip sizes. However, one unit arrived with internal damage and unbalanced sound, and the stock rubber tips could be better. Overall, these are seen as a great value upgrade from previous models, especially when paired with a DAC.
Pros
- Impressive sound quality
- Clear highs and rich mids
- Deep satisfying bass
- Lower listening volume reduces ear fatigue
- Comfortable fit with multiple ear tip sizes
Cons
- One unit arrived with internal damage
- Unbalanced sound on defective unit
- Stock rubber tips could be better
- Heavy for running
Anker Space A40
The Soundcore Space A40 earbuds are widely praised for their excellent sound quality, customizable EQ via the app, and strong noise cancellation. Users appreciate the long battery life, fast charging, and comfortable fit with multiple ear tip sizes. Some note that the ANC is not as powerful as premium competitors and that Bluetooth connection can occasionally drop in bumpy vehicles or certain environments. Overall, they are considered great value for the price.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Customizable EQ via app
- Good noise cancellation
- Long battery life
- Fast charging
Cons
- ANC not as strong as premium competitors
- Occasional Bluetooth connection drops
- Touch controls limited to certain options at once
- Battery life slightly less than advertised
- Left ear discomfort for some users
Scores
Specifications
| KZ AM16 | Anker Space A40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | — | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | — | 5 sizes of silicone ear tips |
| Weight | 0.07 kg | 0.06 kg★ |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | balanced armature | dynamic |
| Driver Size | — | 11 mm★ |
| Drivers | 8★ | 2 |
| Freq Min | — | 20 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 20 kHz★ |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Hi-Res Audio | — | ✓★ |
| Codecs | KZ AM16 in Ear Monitor Headphones 16BA Drivers HiFi IEM Earphones High Clarity Gaming Earbuds Clarity in All Frequency Stereo Sound Comfortable Headphones for Musicians (Deep Base, Nomic) | LDAC |
| Surround | — | Soundcore by Anker Space A40 Auto-Adjustable Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds, Reduce Noise by Up to 98%, 50H Playtime, Hi-Res Sound, App Customization, Wireless Charge (Renewed) Blue (Refresh |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | — | ✓★ |
| ANC Type | — | adaptive |
| Transparency | — | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | — | ✓★ |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.2★ |
| Multipoint | — | ✓★ |
| Wired Connector | — | Bluetooth |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | — | 10 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | — | 2 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 10 min for 4 hours playback |
| Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | — | 50 hrs★ |
| Case Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Wireless Charging | — | ✓★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | — | 6★ |
| NC Mic | — | ✓★ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | — | Siri, Google Assistant |
| Touch Controls | — | ✓★ |
| App | — | soundcore |
| Gaming Mode | ✓★ | — |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | — | IPX4 |
Pros & Cons
KZ AM16
- Strong sound (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Strong comfort (72nd percentile)
- Below average connectivity (28th percentile)
- Below average anc (31st percentile)
- Below average build (34th percentile)
- Below average social proof (35th percentile)
Anker Space A40
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong connectivity (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong anc (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong sound (94th percentile)94th %ile
Pricing
Anker Space A40 offers 5.5x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 85 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 19 of 36 specs.
